Giving Her My Baby

“I’ll wait.” She walks into the kitchen and I follow her. She starts opening the cabinets until she finds a wine glass and a wine opener. I stare at her as she pours herself a glass. She doesn’t offer me one. Not that I wanted one to begin with. I want to eat a snack and then sneak back to my room. Now I think I have to stay.

I can’t leave this woman to wander around. She might be his friend or— I cut that thought off, not wanting to go there. I hadn’t even thought about him being with someone else after he said he wasn’t married and hadn’t gotten someone pregnant.

Yet. He’d said. The single word flutters through my mind and my hand goes to my stomach. I could be.

“So who are you? Brooks never has women back to his place.” Her eyes roam over me. “Are you like a little cousin or something?”

I look down at myself and remember that I’d put on my nightshirt that’s covered in bunnies. Paired with my slippers I probably look young.

“No. I’m staying here to help when his sister comes. To help with the baby.” She looks at me like I’ve lost my mind.

“He doesn’t have a sister.” She rolls her eyes, bringing the wine glass up to her mouth but stops before she takes a drink. “You had sex with him, didn’t you!” she accuses.

I feel heat creep up my neck. “He doesn’t have a sister?” I ask, ignoring her other question. I’m not talking about sex with this random woman who may or may not be involved with Brooks. The thought makes my stomach turn. Why else would she be here so late with a bottle of wine? Isn’t that a booty call?

“Not that I know of.” She sets the wine glass down with a hard thunk. I’m surprised it doesn’t break. “I don’t know what you’re up to, but Brooks is mine.”

I’m not sure what to do or even say. “Maybe you should go. I don’t think Brooks is here right now.” I want her to get out of here. I suddenly don’t feel so good.

“Ella.” I almost jump out of my skin when Brooks’s deep voice fills the room. His hand lands on my shoulder and he leans down, putting his mouth next to my ear. “Go to your bedroom.”

I stand there shocked for a moment, not wanting to leave them alone. But I also don’t want to stay. What if he kisses her or something right in front of me?

“Now,” he adds sternly.

With that final word, I race back to my room and shut the door. I flip the lock and then stand there, feeling stupid and heartbroken over someone I don’t even know.

7

Brooks

“What in the fuck are you doing in my kitchen, Tiffany?” I say, narrowing my eyes at her.

I hear the sound of heavy footfalls behind me, and I know it’s my security.

“Mr. Renshaw, I’m so sorry—”

I hold my hand up to signal my head of security, Ben, should stop speaking. He’s out of breath so he must have run across from the other side of the property.

“You guys are so over the top,” Tiffany says as she rolls her eyes.

“Ma’am, you’re coming with me,” Ben says as he walks over to her.

“Jeez, I was just coming over to be nice. It’s the neighborly thing to do,” she huffs out like I’m the one being ridiculous.

“Tiffany,” I say and rub my eyes. “You’re not my neighbor anymore. Not since I bought the property from you and forced you to move. I’m pressing charges this time. I’ve already had to issue a restraining order, and you’re in violation of it.”

I watch as Ben takes out his phone and sends a text message, no doubt alerting security to her presence and to inform the police.

“You’re such an asshole!” she shouts, throwing the glass of wine at my head.

If she had better aim she could have done some serious damage, and to my soon to be pregnant wife. The thought has anger creeping up my neck.

“Get out!” I bark at her, and she pretends to cry. We’ve been through this before.

She moved into the house about a mile down the road from me a couple of years ago and immediately tried to work her way into my life. I was polite, but I never allowed her in the house, and I never tried to lead her into thinking we were ever going to be anything, including friends. I have enough friends, and my work keeps me beyond busy. But when my security found her on several occasions creeping through my flower beds and looking for open windows, it was time to put a stop to it.

The sirens of the cop cars blare in the distance and suddenly her fake crying turns into a scowl as Ben takes her by the upper arm and leads her out of the kitchen.